Published Apr 16, 2025
Infected plants typically fail to emerge from seed, or seedlings collapse and die soon after germination. Stems will turn black and shrivel at the soil line. Pythium spp. can also cause root dieback in carrots later in the season.
Damping-off typically occurs during times of cool and wet weather. Soilborne pathogens thrive in moist soils, ideally around 6.8 pH. Pythium overwinters in the soil as survival structures called oospores, which then become active as the soil temperature warms. Under saturated conditions, Pythium forms swimming zoospores, which cause infection.
- Proper Watering: Avoid overwatering, especially in the early stages, and ensure good drainage.
- Soil Preparation: Use well-drained, light soil or a sterile mix, and avoid compacted soil.
- Avoid overcrowding of seeds/seedlings
- Fungicide Seed Treatment: carbendazims, metalaxyl, cymoxanil
- Seed treatment (e.g with apron star) helps prevent early